Dan Chapman has a clear vision of what he considers a perfect day at work.

"I love to see huge crowds at the Stockton Arena, lots of noise and a victory for our team," Chapman said. "When it all comes together like that, it's electrifying and special."

Chapman 50, is entering his eighth season as the president of the Stockton Thunder hockey franchise. He manages the Thunder from an office at the Stockton Arena that looks out on Fremont Street and is filled with sports memorabilia. He and the Thunder staff have turned the Thunder into one of the most popular teams in the ECHL.

The Thunder has led the league in attendance four times since its beginnings in 2005, and has never been lower than third in fan support in the 23-team ECHL. And Chapman's success hasn't been confined to the ice.

A native of Vallejo who moved to Stockton when he was 3 years old, he spent 14 years with the Stockton Ports, including a 10 as general manager (1989-99). He was named the Class-A Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1990 and received the California League Award of Excellence in 1992. Chapman won the ECHL executive of the year award in 2011 and spent four years as a member of the Stockton City Council.

Chapman and his wife, Mary Ann, live in Stockton with their sons Andrew, 17, and Eric, 14.

Question: Can you ice skate?

Answer: I can ice skate. It's been a long time, but I'm confident I could put on skates and not hurt myself.

Q: When did you know the franchise would be a hot commodity?

A: Feb. 5, 2005, when we launched our first season ticket sale. The first day, we sold 657 season tickets. That's when I knew. I knew we had to keep working hard, but that day wildly exceeded my expectations.

Q: What's the key difference between running a minor league baseball team and a hockey team?

A: The biggest differences are that in hockey we have a lot more control over player personnel and coaching. We also have a lot more to do with players' salaries, equipment, housing and travel. In baseball, the Major League affiliate takes on those responsibilities.

Q: You have spent a lot of time at stadiums and arenas. Name your favorite concession item.

A: I will admit I've never met a garlic fry I didn't like.

Q: What is you favorite activity that does not involve sports?

A: Traveling. My wife's family is from Italy, and we have been there four times in the last 15 years and the last three times we've brought the boys to get to know their Italian relatives. It's been a great experience for all of us.

Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?

A: When I was in high school I aspired to be a professional baseball announcer, and specifically my dream job would have been to be the play-by-play broadcaster for the Boston Red Sox. But I've gone down a different path, which I've thoroughly enjoyed.

Q: What's your favorite thing about growing up in Stockton?

A: I have great memories of my time at Sundown Little League. And what was even better about that is my boys played in the same league and I got to coach them.

Q: You were a pitcher at Delta College and Lincoln High School. What was your best pitch?

A: My best pitch was a curve ball. I wasn't all that good. People used to tell me if you're a left hander and you can breathe, you have a chance to play pro baseball. I'm a lefty and I breathe very well, but they never gave me much of a second look.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?

A: My favorite current artist is Adele. Historically, and I'm showing my age here, I like Phil Collins, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Huey Lewis and The News.

Q: Do you miss politics?

A: No, I don't. It's just not a good time in my life to be involved in the political arena. Maybe some other time down the road, but not now.